Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Adequacy of Supply When assessing the adequacy of the drinking water supply either before or after an event, consider the following basic parameters: Accessibility: the percentage of the population with reasonable access to an improved drinking water supply Quantity: the proportion of the population with access to different levels of drinking water supply (i.e., inadequate access, basic access, intermediate access, optimal access) as a proxy for the quantity of water used Quality: whether the supply has regularly verified water quality and an approved, validated water safety plan that is subject to periodic audits to demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations Continuity: the percentage of the time during which drinking water is available (daily, weekly, and seasonally) Affordability: the price of water paid by domestic consumers . Water Sampling/Water Testing In response to the incident, quickly prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that focuses on key points from the EPA’s Quick Guide to Drinking Water Sample Collection . Make sure to include: Location of where the water sample was obtained (i.e., the faucet of a potable water source Sampling method used (bacteriological sample, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, total petroleum hydrocarbons, etc.) Sample coverage (number of samples taken) Sample volume (amount of water needed to conduct sampling) Storage and transportation (procedures for keeping samples secured and at the proper temperature during transport to state-certified laboratories) Note: Coliform is a standard first test in an emergency. If you detect coliform, it is a signal that the system (and water) may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms (pathogens). Testing for coliform bacteria is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Make sure to check with your local lab to understand their specific lab submission requirements. General Supplies for Water Sampling in the Field Stopwatch
Waterproof markers Latex/nitrile gloves Labeling tape Insulated cooler 6 Sodium thiosulfate (or equivalent disinfectant neutralizing agent) GPS unit, area map, etc.
Record-keeping documents (e.g., chain of custody, field logs) Communication devices (e.g., cell phone, two-way radio) Paper towels Alcohol, ethanol, and bleach wipes Trash bags and clear, reusable plastic bags Water quality meters and test kits (e.g., pH, free and total chlorine, temperature, turbidimeter) Camera (if allowed on-site) Shipping supplies
Custody tape (optional) Graduated cylinder (1L)
Water samples should be protected and kept at a cool temperature (<10°C or 50°F) during transport. 6
Page 23
Powered by FlippingBook